Bishop Paul blesses new Stella Maris crew welfare facility at Dover Cruise Terminal
Bishop Paul Hendricks blessed a new crew welfare lounge at Dover Port’s Cruise Terminal 2, which was officially opened on Friday 31 July 2026
The facility is managed by Stella Maris, the maritime agency of the Catholic Church. It has seating for around 25 people and is a quiet haven for crew to spend their breaks and speak to family uninterrupted. In addition to refreshments, there is also free Wi-Fi and entertainment including a TV, pool table and dartboard.
Most importantly, crew who need practical, pastoral and spiritual support will be able to receive help from Deacon John Fogarty, Stella Maris’ regional port chaplain for Kent, and his team of volunteers.
Tim Hill MBE, CEO and National Director of Stella Maris UK said:
“The new crew welfare facility will be an oasis for cruise ship crew visiting Dover. It is a welcoming space where Stella Maris chaplains and volunteer ship visitors will be on hand to offer friendship and support whenever it is needed.
“Crew members spend months away from their families and deserve a place where they can rest and truly feel at home while they are in port. I am grateful to our chaplaincy team in Kent and the South of England, and to the Port of Dover, for working together to create this much needed facility.”
Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover said:
“Port of Dover is recognised across the cruise industry for its exceptional customer service – we look after everyone, and none more so than the crew members who work so hard to provide memories to last a lifetime for our cruise lines and their guests.
“Thank you to Stella Maris for providing this wonderful lounge, giving the crew easy access to their own space that they can use for socialising, relaxing and connecting with their loved ones.”
Stella Maris, (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea), is the official maritime agency of the Catholic Church. It is a registered UK charity and relies on voluntary donations to continue its work. For more information visit www.stellamaris.org.uk
Story and image kindly provided by Stella Maris.
